Confusion reigns - tube amp,ss amp, integrated..??


I've been reading a lot of threads here (and on the Audio Asylum) and I am just getting more and more confused.

I am coming from the simple world of SS receiver and separate SS power amp - Rotel gear, as you can see from my Virtual System. I am trying to find a more musical system, but I still need to have a system that can be used for HT.

I am changing out my speakers to Cain & Cain Abbys - single drive (Fostex 166E) high efficiency speakers (95dB.) My Teres turntable is also a keeper, as is my phono stage. These are about the only decisions I have been able to firm up! So, I am building my system around these components.

I need either an integrated amp or separates - pre amp/power amp. I thought tubes would be best for the Abbys, but then again, maybe the pre should be solid state with a tube amp - or is the other way around better? You see how unknowing I am! An integrated amp might be a bit of a compromise, but might also fit my budget better. :-~

This is what I need the system to do: I need to be able to run my CD drive, a DVD drive, my phono stage and a subwoofer, as well as, of course, front speakers. If I end up getting rid of my receiver, an option for rear and center speakers would be a plus, though I may forgo surround sound (5.1) with my new system.

My budget is around $10,000 (gulp) which is both limiting, I realize, and more than I wanted to spend. :rolleyes: I would like this budget to include a new CD-player - I am considering the Musical Fidelity A5 - so I guess my actual amp/preamp budget is around $8000.

Please help me if you can!

Holly
oakiris

Showing 2 responses by apt_one

Hi Holly,

Let me try to help you through this mess. One - you cannot believe the magazines, reviews - etc- they are all tainted by manufacturers advertising money. Everyone has their opinions and their preferences.

Let your ears and the sound of live instruments govern your choices. I used to work for a major mid to hi end dealer some twenty years ago and love this hobby. I have had many components that I have experimented with in and out of my home, in particular - a variety of power amps and speakers. I have owned many components. I hope what I tell you will save you lots of time, trouble and dollars and maybe some of the other readers wh are wading through all of this.

Here is my bias- when I sit down to listen to music, I want to hear something that sounds like real music- believable. I want to hear a saxophone that sounds like the real thing (not like a childrens toy), I want texture, body and truth in timbre. For me- that is best captured by well designed triode tube amplifiers (both push pull and single ended.) You do not find it with solid state components. I dare any audiophile to test it. Listen to the background instruments -can you focus on them dictinctly? You cannot pick them out with solid state amplifiers- there is too much drive- they blur them all together- you are aware that what you are hearing is ELECTRONIC. In general, you do not find this level in clarity in pentode tube, push pull designs that I have heard that encompass the majority of commercial tube manufacturers out there. You get more body to the music but they still so not get the distinct resolution level that the better triode tubes can reveal.

The speakers you have selected leave you many different choices in amplifiers. If you are looking for trouble free clean solid state- a nice YBA Integre DT or Passion will be musical without the solid state grit and grain and with a good soundstage.

I agree with Pdreher in that I think a high quality two chanel system is preferable than the multi-chanel HT. The whole HT stuff is another ploy to pry your hard earned dollars from your purse for something you may not need. You can end up littering your house with speakers all over the place- sure you have sound all around you but more is not neccessarily better.

With your speakers since they are very efficient-I would be to agree with the path C123666 mentioned above- a good quality 300B design would complement those speakers very well.

To get the most out of your system, you have to mate the preamp/power amp together and pick the appropriate speakers. My suggestion would be pick a good quality tube preamp, 300B poweramp and enjoy a very musical sound experience everytime you play your stereo.

Well within your price range, a nice Audible Illusions L-2 or M3a with a pair of Welborne 300B monoblock amps that will run you in the used market- $2500 to $3K. You can sit back and enjoy music at home and laugh at your fellow audiophiles blowing needless funds into their equipment.

Another nice option if you want more power is a Berning ZH270 amp- very flexible and tranparent with tube sound and truth of timbre! The designer has one of the best minds in audio and really understands audio circuits, designs amps that you can really live with (as opposed to the rest of the industry that would have you buy imposing -lets make the stereo the most dominant thing in your family room.)

Just an opinion like everyone else on here, but one that has alot of experience through years of trial and error and critical listening. My suggestions will help you have you have a system that you could go home to and relax and enjoy with out hype and pretention. Hope my two cents helps!
Hi Holly,

I have the Audible Illusions L-1 and highly recommend it. Great preamp without going broke.

The L-2 line stage (no phone input) is the newer version of the L-1 with the HT bypass and a remote. The M3A obviously includes the phono input. Sonically they are identical.

Have fun.